Billy Slagle is on death row for a crime he committed when he was just 18 years old; furthermore, a psychiatrist testified at trial that his emotional age was only 12. Billy’s tragic life leading up to the murder of Mari Ann Pope-- a life marked by abuse, neglect, drug and alcohol abuse-- explains why this already young man had not emotionally developed beyond age 12.

Billy grew up in chaos: an uncertain world that revolved around alcohol and violence. As a relocated Native American, his family faced many struggles that were exacerbated by drug and alcohol abuse. Both sets of grandparents and his parents were chronic alcoholics—Billy’s mother even drank while she was pregnant with him. Billy’s father was never really present in his life and later his stepfathers physically abused him.

Despite the turbulence in his home life, Billy excelled in school. However, the promise that this young man showed was soon thwarted by an early introduction to alcohol and drugs. Billy began drinking alcohol when he was just 5 years old and dropped out of school in the 11th grade.

Billy tried to complete rehabilitation programs but the lack of support from his family gave him little recourse to follow through with treatment. Ultimately, the mental and physical abuse he suffered throughout his childhood led him to the fate shared by his family and many Native Americans: Billy was drug and alcohol dependent by the time he was 18.

High on marijuana and black-out drunk, Billy made the biggest mistake of his life when he took the life of his neighbor, Mari Ann Pope. To this day, he doesn’t know why he committed the crime.

Billy is sorry for what he has done and has made progress while in prison. He plans to pursue his GED and is skilled with animals. Away from the negative influences of his broken home life and alcohol, Billy proved that he is capable of contributing to society.

I ask you to carefully consider the words of Mari Ann Pope’s brother: “…only God can make a decision to kill someone—so I’ll put it in God’s hands.”

I respectfully urge you to grant clemency to Billy Slagle.

Sincerely,

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